Australia accelerates its shift toward a digitally empowered government, placing the importance of ethical data governance and artificial intelligence (AI) at an all-time high. Liz Daykin, President of DAMA Australia and Investment Data Governance Lead at Australian Retirement Trust, will address these crucial topics at the upcoming Aus Gov Data Summit. The keynote will highlight the need to use automation, AI, and ethical frameworks to enhance purpose-driven data analytics while protecting public trust.
Building accountability in AI
Advanced technologies like generative AI, data modeling, and cloud storage are increasingly integrating with the Australian public sector, underscoring the critical importance of using these tools ethically and transparently. Daykin highlights the need to integrate strong ethical principles in every phase of data and AI implementation to boost public trust and accountability.
Daykin states that public trust forms the foundation of any digital government initiative. Emphasising transparency and accountability in deploying data and AI guarantees that these technologies serve the public interest while tackling intricate ethical dilemmas effectively.
She underscores that the adoption of ethical AI goes beyond mere compliance; it necessitates the creation of governance frameworks aimed at addressing bias mitigation. She champions the proactive identification and removal of biases in AI algorithms to guarantee fair outcomes for all individuals, uphold data privacy, and ensure protection; the establishment of robust safeguards to avert the misuse of sensitive information; adherence to advancing cybersecurity standards; and accountability in decision-making to make certain that AI-driven choices are clear, traceable, and open to human oversight when required.
These principles hold great importance, especially in welfare, healthcare, and law enforcement, where data-driven decisions directly impact citizens’ lives. Public sector organisations cultivate a culture of accountability and ethical awareness to harness the power of AI, ensuring that trust and fairness remain central to their operations.
Innovative AI solutions
Daykin connects innovative technologies with responsible data management, offering practical solutions to address the distinct challenges faced by Australia’s public sector. She emphasises using cutting-edge technologies, like automation, generative AI, and cloud storage, to boost efficiency while ensuring transparency and security.
Four essential solutions lie at the heart of her vision:
- Automation and AI for data analytics
Automation accelerates repetitive tasks, while AI enhances data analysis, enabling government agencies to make informed, predictive decisions based on data. Public health uses predictive modeling as a vital tool to efficiently allocate resources, which ultimately reduces response times during crises.
- Ethical AI practices
Responsible AI adoption addresses issues of bias and fairness. Establish frameworks to ensure algorithms stay impartial, outputs remain transparent, and decisions uphold accountability in the public sector. High-impact sectors like social services and law enforcement rely on these practices, where equity and precision matter greatly.
- Cybersecurity and data privacy
As cyber threats increase, network security and data protection become vital. Daykin highlights the urgent requirement for advanced cybersecurity protocols to safeguard sensitive data. The key objectives of the Australian Federal Police Corporate Plan 2024-25 emphasise the importance of proactively mitigating cyber threats.
- Cloud storage and collaborative data management
Flexible and secure cloud storage options enable agencies to collaborate, drive innovation, and maintain data integrity. Public-sector agencies can leverage centralised platforms to share insights while maintaining data privacy and enhancing the cohesiveness of service delivery.
By addressing these challenges head-on, Australia’s public sector can create a strong, transparent, and secure digital government framework.
Leading ethical data governance
Daykin leads with a focus on ethical data governance, significantly impacting the development of Australia’s public sector. As President of DAMA Australia, she champions the advancement of data management practices, placing them at the forefront of industry standards. Daykin, the Investment Data Governance Lead at Australian Retirement Trust, actively promotes a culture that combines business leadership with data-driven decision-making.
Her initiatives emphasise the critical need to synergise data quality with governance frameworks to achieve operational excellence. She connects theoretical concepts with practical applications through her dual roles, championing actionable frameworks that ensure transparency and accountability. She collaborates with industry stakeholders to tackle the latest challenges in cybersecurity, data analytics, and generative AI, ensuring that Australia’s public sector is prepared to navigate a swiftly changing digital environment.
Australia’s leading event highlights the convergence of technology, ethics, and governance in the public sector. Influential figures, decision-makers, and specialists will unite to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and data governance at this event.
Daykin will present a keynote on leveraging automation, AI, and ethical principles. Her presentation offers actionable insights to tackle the challenges of incorporating advanced technologies while maintaining the public’s trust.
Join Daykin and other industry leaders at the Aus Gov Data Summit to gain the tools and knowledge to lead the next wave of digital innovation responsibly.
For more information and to register, visit Aus Gov Data Summit. Spaces are limited—secure your spot today!